Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Arlington is 48% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$2,275/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↓ 27%
$140,160/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 40%
$864,800 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$548,400 ↓ 37%
$2,414/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 30%
235,463
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $614/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $7,368/year.

Median household income is $56,562/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Arlington or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $614/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $56,562/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Colorado?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Fort Collins details →

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